3D technology is something that has never quite taken off in the way that most people first thought it would do. While it brings a lot of promise and some fantastic opportunities, it's rare that movies actually fully capitalize on what 3D can offer to a film.
However, for every poor 3D movie that seems to only have one or two scenes that feel different, there are several movies that do it right. They use the technology to enhance a film and take it to new heights that 2D simply cannot achieve. Within this list we will look at 10 movies that are all greater in 3D than they are in 2D, proving that the technology, when used right, can be incredibly effective.
Ready Player One (2018)
As the title of the article suggests, Ready Player One is one of the absolute best movies to watch in 3D. The film simply lends itself to the 3D medium perfectly, as that is what the main character is doing when he puts on the glasses to go into the 3D world of Oasis.
Steven Spielberg himself breathtaking experience that takes an already great film and makes it even better.
Gravity (2013)
Anytime a movie is set out in space, it really does open up a world of possibilities in of 3D effects. That is exactly what Gravity highlighted with some tremendous 3D effects that really showcased how great it can be when done right.
The gripping scene as Sandra Bullock floats around in a state of panic is only made more intense with 3D enhancements. It gives viewers the feeling of how things are from that perspective with different objects just popping up at random, really making things more dramatic.
Beowulf (2007)
Beowulf was specifically made using the best technology (at the time,) and it helped to really catch the eye of cinema-goers around the world. When things are computer generated they are slightly easier to transition into 3D, as this film proves.
Is it the greatest film in the world? No. But the 3D is done incredibly well in this one and it highlights just how good the technology can be if it is done correctly. Creating some tremendous monsters throughout, it is a film that simply has to be enjoyed with 3D technology.
A Christmas Carol (2009)
Another great example of a film that utilized all the technology available was Disney's A Christmas Carol, which featured Jim Carrey. This film has some absolutely stunning effects throughout that really highlight just how far technology had reached at this point.
The scenes of Scrooge flying around with the snow flying about really were dazzling at times, making a computer-animated movie look unbelievably crisp and realistic, proving how great 3D can be.
The Nightmare Before Christmas (2006)
The original stop motion film was actually released back in 1993 and was met with rave reviews. It's a classic during the Halloween and Christmas time of year and back in 2006, the decision was made to release the film again. This time, the Tim Burton movie was given 3D enhancements and it took the movie to new levels.
When 3D technology really started becoming popular a lot of older films were re-released with 3D effects, and many of them featured very little differences. However, The Nightmare Before Christmas changes really was well done and helped make the film even more exciting than the original was.
Alice In Wonderland (2010)
Speaking of Tim Burton, his version of Alice in Wonderland is another excellent example of how 3D can enhance a movie. While the film itself might not have been to everyone's taste, there's no denying that the world Burton creates was incredibly unique and interesting.
It had the usual darker tones that can be expected from one of his films, and when viewed in 3D, this film is really taken to a new level. It's like you step straight into Wonderland and are part of this crazy world, which is a credit to the work that was done here.
Toy Story 3 (2010)
Pixar jumping into the world of 3D isn't a big surprise, as the vibrancy of their movies just suits using that technology. Before Pixar brought the popular Toy Story franchise back with its third movie, they trialed out re-releasing Toy Story 2 with 3D, as a test.
That worked well, but Toy Story 3 worked even better. The film just leaps off the screen in 3D and really shone a light on how far Pixar's amazing animation has come. It made a superb film even better, which isn't always easy to do.
Tron: Legacy (2010)
Tron: Legacy had a lot to live up due to the popularity of the 1982 original. However, the fantastic special effects really did help ensure that it did just that. Not only did this film have a crazy Daft Punk soundtrack, but it was filled with amazing technology that really made the film a joy to watch.
The 3D aspect of Tron: Legacy really does take the movie to new heights though. It makes everything crisper, makes the CGI sharper and the unique Tron style just pops out of the screen to make the film a real thrill.
The Walk (2015)
If you're afraid of heights then this one might not be for you, however, the 3D enhancement really does take The Walk to a totally different level. The film which focuses on Philippe Petit's tightrope walk between the Twin Towers is an exhilarating one that will have you clenching on to your seat as you watch.
The 3D doesn't really add much for large portions of the film, however, when it comes to Petit doing the actual walk, it takes the film to new levels. At one point the camera pans down, taking a look at the incredible distance the death drop provides and it is in this scene that the 3D begins to work its magic.
Avatar (2009)
James Cameron worked exceptionally hard to utilize the technology at his disposal in 2009 to make Avatar an absolutely stunning film to watch. The 3D within this world helped everything appear vibrant and colorful, and is one of the reasons that the film became so successful.
People went back for repeat viewings simply because of the technology, proving just how amazing the 3D was. With several sequels looming, it will now be interesting to see how the technology has developed and how it will continue to be used in this franchise.
